Mug

This straight-sided, slightly tapered mug is typical of early American silver drinking vessels. On early New York mugs, the reeded bands—which in addition to being ornamental also provided reinforcement—are sometimes embellished with meander wire, as here. Particularly attractive on this mug is the interlaced mirror cipher, engraved within a heart-shaped reserve amid symmetrical foliate scrolls. The initials, J E S, are those of Johannes (1668–1747) and Elizabeth (ca. 1659–1737) Schuyler. It was originally one of a pair, and its matching mug is now in the collection of the New-York Historical Society.

Albany-born, Johannes Schuyler became a successful fur trader and military officer, rising to the rank of colonel. In April 1695, he married Elizabeth Staats Wendell, widow of Johannes Wendell and mother of eleven children; together he and Elizabeth would have four more. Johannes was very active politically and in the Dutch Reformed Church. In 1703 he was appointed mayor of Albany, a position he held until 1706. He also served for eighteen years on the Board of Commissioners of Indian Affairs.